International

Musicians from afar lessen Israelis’ sense of isolation

The fact that excellent musicians are prepared to come to Israel at a time when each day brings some new crisis or threat provides us with wonderful music as well as serving to raise our spirits and give us renewed hope that the world is not a completely hostile place. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

Musicians from afar lessen Israelis’ sense of isolation Read More »

Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Tackling a legend and antisemitism, ‘Giant’ comes to Broadway

The play’s subject and the incident it depicts are based on true events. In 1983, beloved children’s author, the 6’6” Roald Dahl, reviewed a book about the siege of West Beirut by the Israeli army during the 1982 Lebanon War. That review was widely viewed as antisemitic. [Karen Galatz, The Matzo Chronicles]

Tackling a legend and antisemitism, ‘Giant’ comes to Broadway Read More »

Antisemitism, International, Israel, Jewish History, Karen Galatz, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Walking through a year of your life with two rabbis

He founded Beit T’Shuvah in Los Angeles, a pioneering recovery center that fuses Jewish spirituality with addiction treatment. Residents don’t just talk recovery; they live it through Torah study, Shabbat observance, and honest confrontation with their souls. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

Walking through a year of your life with two rabbis Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Holocaust, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

AB 715, abolishing antisemitism in K-12 classrooms, ruled constitutional

Within a month after passage, a complaint seeking to halt the Jan. 1 implementation of the bill was filed against Newsom, Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. The complaint claimed the law restricts teachers’ free speech rights, is vague and ambiguous, and denies students full learning opportunities. [Marsha Sutton, Times of San Diego]

AB 715, abolishing antisemitism in K-12 classrooms, ruled constitutional Read More »

Antisemitism, California, Holocaust, Israel, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jews in the news: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026

Efrat Sopher, head of the World Jewish Congress’s International Task Force on Iran and Islamic Extremism, said Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi may have the experience and the experience of the team around him, as well as widespread support in Iran, to lead the country which overthrew his father, the Shah, in 1979. [Donald H. Harrison]

Jews in the news: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 Read More »

Antisemitism, Business & Finance, California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Wikipedia

The apathetic West needs to wake up!

This moment of raw courage—ordinary Iranians facing murder squads, risking torture and death for dignity, women’s rights, and an end to clerical tyranny—deserves global attention. Yet, much of the Western liberal establishment, academia, mainstream media, and progressive circles have responded with disturbing silence or minimal engagement. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

The apathetic West needs to wake up! Read More »

International, Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jews in the news: Thursday, Jan. 15. 2025

A day of national mourning for the 15 slain victims of the Bondi Beach massacre will be observed in Australia on Thursday, Jan. 22. The preceding Monday at 9:30 a.m. Australian time (2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, San Diego time) the federal Parliament will consider a condolence motion.  [Donald H. Harrison]

Jews in the news: Thursday, Jan. 15. 2025 Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

History that reads like a heart-stopping suspense novel

Golda Meir, drenched in cold sweat, knows exactly what that call means: war is coming, lives are hanging by a thread, and the weight of a nation rests on one trembling hand reaching for the receiver. Do you answer? Or do you let it ring, pretending the nightmare hasn’t begun? [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

History that reads like a heart-stopping suspense novel Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Jewish History, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jews in the news: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

“Today, on behalf of President Trump, we are announcing the launch of Phase Two of the President’s 20-Point Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, moving from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction. [Donald H. Harrison]

Jews in the news: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 Read More »

Antisemitism, California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA